How can we help?

Family & Community Support Services

Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) is a funding partnership between local governments and the Province of Alberta on an 80/20 share basis. The funding is used to support and develop locally driven, preventive social services initiatives.

FCSS emphasizes local decision-making for programming, based on the belief that communities have the desire, energy and resources to build community capacity. Each municipality determines how the dollars they receive should be allocated to best meet the needs of their community so FCSS programs are unique to each community.

Family Violence Initiative

New Hope Family Violence Program: The New Hope Family Violence Program runs from September to June. This pyscho-educational and therapeutic group for men and women who have been exposed to or involved in family violence. Please note that the women and men's group meet on separate evenings. For more information contact 780-778-6300.

Family Violence Stakeholders Group: The Family Violence Stakeholders Group meets once a month. If you are interested in becoming involved in family violence initiatives in our community, please contact 780-778-6300 to find out the next meeting date.

Family Community Liaison Program

The Family Community Liaison Program provides support and counselling to children 5-18 years old and their families living in the Whitecourt area. Services include:

Individual counselling and group delivery - Carlan Services Community Resource Centre, schools, and at the Allan & Jean Millar Centre.

Family support to resources and programs within the area.

Skill development - services plans for each client and family, if applicable.

Case management - collaboration with Team For Success, school psychologists, and other agencies if applicable.

Coordination of services to other service providers such as mental health and private therapists.

Our service locations vary as we meet with clients in school, in the home, or at the Family Community Liaison Office operated out of the Carlan Services Community Resource Centre. Family Community Liaison Workers also develop and facilitate community and school groups that are in need.

Funding Agencies:

Town of Whitecourt

Northern Gateway School Division

Living Waters School Division

Region 7 North Central Child and Family Services Authority

Alberta Mental Health Board

The Family Community Liaison Program is operated out of the Carlan Services Community Resource Centre located at 76 Sunset Boulevard. Contact program representatives at 780-778-8755.

Parent Link / Early Childhood Development Programs

Parent Link/Early Childhood Development Programs

The Parent Link/Early Childhood Development Centre, located at the Allan & Jean Millar Centre provides programming and resources for families with children 0-6 years of age. The Centre was designed to ensure that parents have the support needed to help their children develop and fulfill their potential. At the Centre, parents can access individual and group supports, information about community services, obtain referrals, and meet other parents, children, and families, while taking part in quality early learning activities. Four core services are provided at the centre:

Early Childhood Development and Care

Parent Education

Family Support

Child Development Screening

Information & Referral

A variety of programs are offered throughout the week that encourage learning through play, peer interaction, parent interaction, parent-child interaction, language development and healthy child development practices. Call 780-778-3637 for the current program schedule.Funding Agencies:

Town of Whitecourt

Region 7 North Central Child and Family Services Authority

Northern Central Children's Services

Pembina Gateway Parent Link Network/Alberta Children's Services\

For a listing of current programs offered, please read through the latest version of the Community Spectrum - Whitecourt's guide to leisure and recreation programs.

ADULTING 101 - FREE INFORMATION SESSIONS

Adulting 101: This series of FREE information sessions on a wide variety of topics will get you "adulting" all over the place! Check out the topics; register for one or all of them. Registration is required but they are free! If you have questions you can contact the FCSS Program Coordinator at fayarcand@whitecourt.ca or call 780-778-3637 ext. 417.